Democracy they say, is a government of the people by the people and for the people, Good governance on its part, entails the diligent exercising of the economic, political and administrative authorities to manage a country’s affair at all levels within the rule of law in such a manner that delivers maximum dividends to citizens’. Governance is anchored on the constitution and effective leadership.
From the above, it is obvious that democracy can exist in a given society without the people reaping its dividend particularly when devoid of good governance.
As part of the Ika Weekly’s agenda setting role in this New Year, the question may be asked; how well has democracy fared in our state and in the Ika Nation in particular? Have the people truly enjoyed its dividends? Has Deltans/Ika people experienced or encountered governance in the last 6years? Providing answers and finding ways to help the government improve the life chances of Deltans are the objectives of this commentary.
Certainly, as noted in our previous commentaries, the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s led administration has scored some good points in certain areas.
Take as illustration, his appointment of youths into different public offices has been unprecedented. Without any shadow of doubt, such a feat is not only judged as smart but a proactive way of training the future leaders in the arts of leadership.
The newspaper appreciates this gesture.
In the areas of infrastructures, it is also important to underline that the present administration appears to have surpassed the previous. Though it is equally necessary to point out at this point that some Deltans/commentators have at different times and places expressed concern about the quality and durability of such roads. These concerns were predicated on the volume of failed portions of these roads constructed within the years under review.
As both a responsive and responsible organization, we call on the Governor to look into this objective concern.
Away from infrastructure to education, the people have seen justice done to this sector. Ika Weekly Newspaper and of course the entire Ika nation are particularly happy with the commissioning of the multibillion-Naira Teachers’ Professional Development Centre by the Delta State Government at Owa Alero/Owa Oyibu in Ika Northeast Local Government Area of the State.
However, when viewed unemotionally, Ika Weekly Newspaper believes that transforming the state-owned college of Education in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of the State, to a University of Education would have been more rewarding to Ika Nation and in human capacity building of the State.
In this year 2021, we therefore, call on the government to do this not for political reasons but in the interest of Ika nation and its youths and most importantly, as a form of ‘finishing strong’.
While this request is awaited, the Newspaper again congratulates the Governor Okowa’s led administration for the sustained warm relationship that has existed between the government and the civil servants as well as the pensioners.